After 40 years in the automotive business, Eric Ruge is switching gears and has closed Auto Correct, after nearly 27 years of business in Eureka. Last week, E. Ruge and his girlfriend Melanie Gardner sent a letter to patrons noting that they had made the difficult decision to close the doors and embark on a different chapter.
E. Ruge began working for his father, Don Ruge, at his automotive repair shop when he was 13-years-old. Service Masters was located on west River Street, where the city’s shop is today. E. Ruge continued to run his father’s business for a couple of years after he passed away in the early 1990s, but, closed the shop and moved his family to Emporia where he worked in the automotive parts industry and built race car engines until he decided to move back to Eureka in 1997. He opened Ruge Automotive in June of 1997 at 305 E. 7th Street and remained in business for 26 years. A few years ago, the service rebranded and became Auto Correct.
“My dad was my best friend. He taught my siblings and I about cars and business,” stated E. Ruge. “He set an example that we are so thankful for. Without his teachings, I would not have the skills I have today.
He shared with me his love for Buick performance cars and drag racing. Owning my own shop allowed me to pursue my passion for drag racing,” he continued.
E. Ruge followed in his father’s footsteps in more ways than just the business front. He built a 1961 Buick Skylark that he has drag raced for 20 years now. A passion he also shares with his son, Trevor. The duo have been racing together for over 20 years, despite Trevor moving to Atlanta, Ga., to pursue his career in building racing engines.
“Owning my own shop and serving my community has been very fulfilling for me. Our customers became our friends which made the business even more enjoyable. Now after more than 40 years, I feel like I’m ready for something different,” E. Ruge stated.
Gardner joined the Ruge Automotive team in the fall of 2015 as the service writer and office manager. E. Ruge noted that she took an important load off his plate, which allowed him to focus on the repair side of the business.
E. Ruge and Gardner have no intention of leaving Eureka. “This is our home,” they stated. Both E. Ruge and Gardner will be joining the team at Invena Corporation. As for the business, the duo doesn’t have certain plans, but would love for someone to purchase the business and continue the service they provided the community for decades. “We intend to be open to opportunities and explore our options,” they stated.
E. Ruge also noted that he plans to continue drag racing and they will be focusing on what makes them happy. “We are thankful for the support from our family and our sons, Trevor, Lucas and Reece. Thank you boys for understanding our drive to make our business successful. You were our motivation,” stated the couple. The couple also shared gratitude for their customers. “All of you made it worth getting up and going to work every day. Your hugs, tears and thoughtfulness mean more than you will ever know,” they concluded.
Those with questions regarding the business and/ or the location email auto [email protected].
